What is a staycation? A quick "healing" solution for busy people who don't want to travel far.

Have you ever woken up on a Monday morning, looked at your computer screen, and just wanted to disappear to somewhere far away? But then reality pulls you back: a packed schedule of meetings, mounting deadlines, expensive flights, and taking 4-5 days off seems impossible.

You're not alone. This is a shared pain point for millions of city dwellers. We crave rest, but the process of a traditional vacation sometimes adds to the financial and planning stress.

That's where Staycation comes in as an instant pain reliever. No visa, no airport check-in, no heavy suitcases. So what exactly is Staycation and why is it becoming the new lifestyle for professionals and young families?

What is a staycation? A standard definition of "Homestay"

Staycation is a portmantein of "Stay" and "Vacation." Simply put, a Staycation is traveling within your local area or nearby, rather than moving to a different city, province, or country.

However, don't confuse Staycation with... sleeping in at home on the weekend. Based on my observations of traveler behavior, I've noticed a difference in mindset:

• Staying home on the weekend: You still clean the house, cook, check work emails, and worry about the coming week.

• Staycation: You become a "tourist" right near your city. You turn off work notifications, rent a new place (suburban resort, city hotel, garden homestay...), explore new corners of your familiar city, and most importantly: You allow yourself to indulge and enjoy.

Nomia Garden Retreats - A beautiful "Staycation" spots near Saigon

In short: Staycation isn't about where you are, but how you feel. It's a journey of discovering something new within the familiar.

Why is Staycation a "trend" for modern life?

Why has this trend exploded, especially after the recent period of significant upheaval? Because it thoroughly addresses the four biggest pain points of customers:

1. "I don't have time"

A long trip requires at least 3-4 days, not including the exhausting travel time. With Staycation, you only need 24 or 48 hours over the weekend. On Saturday morning, pack your bags, drive 45 minutes to a nature resort (like Nomia Garden Retreats), and by Sunday afternoon you can relax and return home. No wasted time, no fatigue from trains or buses.

2. "I'm reluctant to make complicated plans"

Booking flights, hunting for cheap rooms, finding places to eat, renting a car... Sometimes planning a trip is more tiring than going to work. Staycation eliminates 80% of this burden. You just need to book a beautiful place to stay, and go. Spontaneity is the key to relaxation.

3. Cost Savings

Let's do a little calculation: Round-trip airfare for a family of four can cost between 10-20 million VND. With Staycation, travel costs are very low, almost zero. You can use that airfare money to upgrade your experience: Rent a more luxurious villa, have a more fancy dinner, or use high-end spa services.

4. The Need for Connection and "Digital Detox

During long trips, we often get caught up in checking in and constantly moving around to "make the most of our travel expenses." In contrast, staycations usually take place in isolated, quiet spaces. This is a golden opportunity for families to truly talk, or for you to "detox" from your phone and find inner peace (Digital Detox)

Digital detox time

Popular Staycation Options Today

Depending on your needs and budget, you can choose the appropriate option:

• Eco-Retreats (Resorts in the suburbs): This is the hottest trend. Resorts located 30-60 minutes' drive from the city center, surrounded by nature and trees (like Nomia Garden Retreats). Suitable for families and groups of friends who want to barbecue and breathe fresh air.

• Boutique Hotels in the city: For couples who want a change of scenery, enjoying beautiful architecture, relaxing baths, and room service.

• Camping/Glamping: For those who like experiences, want to be close to nature but still have all the amenities (Glamping).

  
  

5 Secrets to a Truly "Healing" Staycation

To avoid turning your staycation into a "workplace shift from home to hotel," follow these 5 principles:

• The "Do Not Disturb" Rule: Be brave enough to turn off email and work-related Zalo notifications. Set up an automatic reply: "I'm recharging, I'll respond to you on Monday."

• Don't bring "the whole world": You're only going for 2 days, so keep your luggage minimal. Bring an unread book, a swimsuit, and an empty mind.

• Experience like a traveler: Try asking yourself: "If this were my first time in this city, what would I do?" Perhaps cycle around a lake, visit a museum you've never been to, or wake up early to watch the sunrise in the suburbs.

• Take care of your sleep: The main goal is rest. Choose a place with a comfortable bed and a quiet space to make up for sleepless nights.

• Touch of Nature: Studies show that just 20 minutes spent surrounded by greenery can significantly reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

  
  

Where is the ideal staycation?

If you're looking for a place that meets all the criteria: close to the city - absolute privacy - surrounded by greenery, then Nomia Garden Retreats is the top choice.

Away from concrete, these places prioritize the connection between people and nature. Imagine waking up to the sound of birdsong, sipping tea on the patio of your Bungalow and not hearing the honking of cars. That's the perfect definition of a staycation.

Conclusion: Don't wait until you're completely exhausted to recharge

Rest isn't a reward after completing work; rest is the fuel for the long journey. Don't wait until you're completely worn out to seek healing.

This weekend, try a staycation. You deserve to be pampered, right here, right now!!!